New for the 2017 NAB Show is an integrated graphics generator for live channel branding, support for Network Device Interface (NDI) connectivity, and the ability to produce a live show with live camera and NDI inputs. This extends MOM beyond standard automation-related tasks and deeper into the TV production infrastructure.

"These new features further expand the functionality of our feature-rich MOM system," said Ken Frommert, General Manager of ENCO Systems. "While MOM is a powerful broadcast automation and media asset management system, it's now migrating into live production territory by accepting live camera and NDI inputs.

Support for NDI-connected devices is especially valuable given the ability to easily share bidirectional SD, HD and 4K/UHD video over a single, ubiquitous, standard Gigabit network - amplifying MOM's value in IP production.

"The broadcasting industry is rapidly gravitating to IP-based operations, and MOM is now one more way to embrace IP network-based production workflows," said Frommert.

ENCO will have a presentation area in its NAB booth where company representatives will also demonstrate the value of virtualised automation. The demonstrations will include multiple automation systems running off a single ENCO1 virtualised server. ENCO1 allows ENCO software solutions to run efficiently via IP-based virtualisation to reduce costs and operational overhead, as well as minimise rack space.

"Depending upon the configuration, MOM can serve as a reliable channel-in-a-box or integrated channel playout system, both of which fully automate the broadcast chain - with rock-solid reliability and redundancy," said Frommert. "And when master control operators want to 'take the reins,' they can quickly switch the system over to manual mode with our user-friendly on-air user interface," he said.

With MOM's intuitive, graphical on-air user interface, a single operator can handle all of the media production and playout tasks required by the end-to-end broadcast workflow. Tasks like scheduling, logging changes, manual playback and live insertion control can be executed with simple drag-and-drop functionality.

"MOM is a futureproof system that already supports UHD/4K, and since we support SDI, IP and a hybrid of the two, MOM also allows broadcasters to transition to an all IP infrastructure at their own pace," Frommert said. "For those streaming media and online-based broadcast operations that have an end-to-end IP-based infrastructure with no SDI, MOM already allows them to operate in a fully virtualised environment."